Despite the progress, climate, covid, and conflict have significantly slowed the progress. World Food Program estimates that 828 million people go hungry every night. Since 2019, the number of those facing acute food insecurity has soared – from 135 million to 345 million. With rising food insecurity and malnutrition, global solutions are needed for better […]
When the 4R Nutrient Stewardship project was introduced in the Kpandai district of Northern Ghana, the feeling was somewhat indifferent among the farmers. Men were content cultivating and making good returns from their yam cultivation (predominantly “male “crop), and women too, were happy with their return from groundnut cultivation (predominantly a “female” crop). Through the […]
Women in Ethiopia, in general, and in the Minjar Shenkora district, in particular, still continue to face different economic challenges, such as limited access to resources, credit facilities, and markets. But some, like Ayelu, are reversing the course of history by creating their businesses, securing their own livelihoods, and ensuring their food security through the […]
The VOICE for Women and Girls project is a gender and economic empowerment initiative collaborating with women-led and women-focused co-operatives in five African countries. The aim is to send volunteers abroad to assist in responding to the needs identified and to increase and support more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth. Volunteers Lois Ifekwe and Garth […]
This year is special for us – not only are we back with the in-person Women Mentorship Program starting on October 3, 2022, but we are celebrating 20 years of the Women Mentorship Program (WMP) since its inception. Next week we will have 10 women credit union managers from Kenya, Malawi, and the Philippines, participating […]
In 2018, I was selected by CDF to participate in the Women Mentorship Program (WMP); this was like a dream. Given my background, I lacked confidence and self-esteem, and with no exposure. I was brought up in a culture where men are the master of the game, and even as a manager, I always carried […]
The language barrier, speed of communication, and tone were the few things I noticed at my first presentation in Ghana – The participants were finding it hard to understand. Looking at their expressions, I quickly slowed my pace of talking and adjusted my vocabulary and tone. I was amazed how this simple change helped me […]
Congratulations to the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) for 75 years of cooperative development in Canada and around the world. During my nine-year tenure as Executive Director of the Canadian Co-operative Association and CDF Canada. We were a strong mechanism for raising domestic funds to leverage and compliment Government of Canada funds administered through […]
I will never forget this story – I was working with a couple of credit unions in Malawi, mainly around their governance and trying to improve their process. I was standing outside the credit union branch where a fellow was walking, and he had a sewing machine on his head. I guess it was the […]